FitOrNoFit

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows sandwiches in both carry-on and checked bags.
✈️ Solid foods like bread, meat, cheese, and veggies are fine.
⚠️ Spreads, sauces, or soups inside a sandwich may count as liquids/gels if excessive.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Solid sandwiches (PB&J, ham & cheese, turkey, veggie, etc.) are allowed.
• TSA only restricts liquids/gels over 3.4 oz, so a “normal” amount of spread is fine inside a sandwich.
• Dipping sauces, soups, or extra spreads in containers must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Checked luggage:
• Sandwiches are allowed but not ideal due to spoilage.
• International travel:
• Many countries restrict bringing meat, dairy, or produce across borders. Eat your sandwich before customs.

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TSA Sandwich Rules Summary

Item	Carry-On	Checked
Solid sandwiches (any type)	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Small spreads in sandwich	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Extra sauces/spreads > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ PB&J okay: TSA allows peanut butter inside a sandwich, but not a jar > 3.4 oz in carry-on.
• ✈️ Messy sandwiches: Extra sauces, gravy, or soups inside may be questioned — keep it neat.
• ✈️ International limits: Customs may confiscate meat, cheese, or produce when crossing borders.
• ✈️ Best practice: Bring sandwiches for the flight, but finish them before arrival abroad.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Solid Food)
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Spreads)
• CBP – Bringing Food into the U.S.

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows coffee beans and ground coffee in carry-on and checked luggage without limits.
✈️ Brewed coffee (liquid) must follow the 3-1-1 rule in carry-on: containers ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml).
✅ Larger drinks, mugs, or bottles of coffee are only allowed after security or in checked bags.

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Details

• Coffee beans & ground coffee:
• Unlimited in both carry-on and checked.
• Powdered substances > 12 oz (350 ml) may require extra screening at TSA checkpoints.
• Instant coffee packets:
• Allowed without restriction in both carry-on and checked.
• Brewed coffee / drinks:
• Must be ≤ 3.4 oz to pass security in carry-on.
• Larger cups or bottles can’t go through security.
• You may bring full-sized drinks purchased after security onto the plane.
• Checked luggage:
• Beans, grounds, and instant coffee allowed in any amount.

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TSA Coffee Rules Summary

Coffee Type	Carry-On	Checked
Coffee beans	✅ Unlimited	✅ Unlimited
Ground coffee / powders	✅ Unlimited (screening >12 oz)	✅ Unlimited
Instant coffee packets	✅ Unlimited	✅ Unlimited
Brewed coffee ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Brewed coffee > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Duty-free bottled coffee drinks	✅ Allowed (sealed)	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Powder rule: Ground coffee > 12 oz may be pulled aside for extra screening.
• ✈️ Brewed drinks: Only small containers ≤ 3.4 oz allowed through TSA; buy larger coffees after security.
• ✈️ International flights: Some countries may restrict bringing in coffee beans (customs issue, not TSA).
• ✈️ Smell control: Seal coffee tightly to avoid aroma spreading through your bag.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Coffee)
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Powders)
• TSA – Liquids Rule

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. Soap is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
✈️ Bar soap is solid → no size limits in carry-on.
⚠️ Liquid soap, body wash, and shampoo must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule in carry-on (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml per container).

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Details

• Bar soap:
• Not considered a liquid or gel.
• Unlimited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
• Liquid soap / body wash:
• Must be ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) in carry-on.
• Larger bottles must go in checked luggage.
• Foaming soaps / refill bottles:
• Count as liquids → same 3-1-1 rule applies.
• Checked luggage:
• Any size soap permitted, liquid or solid.

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TSA Soap Rules Summary

Soap Type	Carry-On	Checked
Bar soap	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Liquid soap ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Liquid soap > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Body wash / shower gel	✅ ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Bar soap = easiest: Avoids liquid limits and TSA hassles.
• ✈️ Foaming bottles: Even if “mostly air,” TSA treats them as liquids.
• ✈️ Leak risk: Always pack liquid soap in a sealed toiletry bag to prevent spills.
• ✈️ International flights: Nearly all countries follow the same 100 ml liquid rule.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Soap)
• TSA – Liquids Rule
• FAA – PackSafe: Toiletry Items

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows nail clippers and small scissors in carry-on and checked bags.
✅ Nail polish is considered a liquid → must follow the 3-1-1 rule in carry-on.
⚠️ Sharp tools over 4 inches are not allowed in carry-on.

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Details

• Nail clippers: Allowed in both carry-on and checked without restriction.
• Nail scissors: Allowed in carry-on if the blade is ≤ 4 inches (10 cm) from pivot point; larger scissors must go in checked.
• Nail files (metal or glass): Permitted in both carry-on and checked.
• Nail polish:
• Must be in containers ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) if carried on.
• Larger bottles allowed only in checked luggage.
• Nail polish remover is flammable — only small bottles (≤ 18 oz / 500 ml per container, max 70 oz total) are allowed in checked baggage under FAA rules.

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TSA Nail Care Rules Summary

Item	Carry-On	Checked
Nail clippers	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Nail scissors ≤ 4 in	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Nail scissors > 4 in	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Nail files	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Nail polish ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Nail polish > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Nail polish remover	✅ ≤ 3.4 oz (quart bag)	✅ ≤ 18 oz/container, 70 oz total

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Scissor length matters: TSA measures from the pivot point, not the blade tip.
• ✈️ Polish remover caution: It’s flammable; keep containers small and tightly sealed.
• ✈️ Carry-on liquid limit: Even tiny nail polish bottles must fit in your quart bag with other liquids.
• ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow the same 100 ml liquid rule and 4-inch scissor rule.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Nail Clippers)
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Scissors)
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Nail Polish)
• FAA – PackSafe: Toiletry Aerosols & Flammables

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows hairspray in both carry-on and checked bags, but in carry-on it must be ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) and fit in your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Larger hairspray bottles are allowed only in checked luggage.
✈️ Aerosols must have caps to prevent accidental spraying.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Travel-size hairspray ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) is allowed.
• Must go inside your 1 quart-sized liquids bag.
• Checked luggage:
• Larger hairspray containers allowed up to 18 oz (500 ml) per container.
• FAA limit: 70 oz (2 liters) total per passenger for toiletry aerosols.
• Other hair products:
• Hair gel, mousse, and creams count as liquids → follow 3-1-1 in carry-on.
• Solid hair products (wax, pomade, bar shampoo/conditioner) are unlimited.

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TSA Hairspray Rules Summary

Product Type	Carry-On	Checked
Hairspray ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Hairspray > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed (≤18 oz/container, 70 oz total)
Hair gel/mousse/cream ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Solid hair products	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Caps required: Aerosols must have caps to prevent accidental spray.
• ✈️ Quantity limits in checked: FAA caps toiletry aerosols at 70 oz total per passenger.
• ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow the same 100 ml liquids rule and aerosol restrictions.
• ✈️ Alternative: Consider solid or pump spray products to avoid aerosol restrictions.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Hairspray)
• TSA – Liquids Rule
• FAA – PackSafe: Toiletry Aerosols

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. Makeup is allowed on planes, but some products count as liquids and must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml in quart bag).
✅ Solid makeup items (powder, lipstick, foundation sticks) have no size limits.
✈️ Powders over 12 oz (350 ml) may require extra screening at security.

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Details

• Liquid makeup (mascara, liquid foundation, concealer, nail polish, lip gloss):
• Must be in containers ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml).
• Must fit in your quart-sized liquids bag.
• Solid makeup (lipstick, powder, pressed foundation, eye shadow palettes):
• Unlimited in both carry-on and checked.
• Not subject to liquids rule.
• Powders:
• Allowed, but if > 12 oz (350 ml), they may require extra screening.
• Aerosols (setting sprays, hair spray, etc.):
• Travel-size ≤ 3.4 oz allowed in carry-on.
• Larger aerosols only allowed in checked bags (with caps).

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TSA Makeup Rules Summary

Makeup Type	Carry-On	Checked
Liquid makeup ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Liquid makeup > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Solid makeup (lipstick, powders)	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Powders > 12 oz	✅ Allowed (extra screening)	✅ Allowed
Aerosol sprays ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Aerosol sprays > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Lipstick ≠ liquid: Lipstick and solid balms don’t count toward your liquid allowance.
• ✈️ Mascara = liquid: Mascara is always considered a liquid under TSA rules.
• ✈️ Powder screening: Large powder containers may be flagged and screened separately.
• ✈️ International flights: Most countries mirror TSA’s 100 ml liquid limit and powder checks.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Makeup)
• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – Powder Restrictions

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. Toothpaste is allowed on planes, but in carry-on it must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: tubes must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller, inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Larger toothpaste tubes can only go in checked baggage.

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Details

• Carry-on (toothpaste):
• Toothpaste is considered a gel under TSA rules.
• Each tube must be ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml).
• All liquid/gel toiletries must fit inside one quart-sized resealable bag.
• Checked luggage:
• Any size toothpaste tube allowed.
• Pack inside a toiletry bag or wrap to prevent leaks.
• Solid toothpaste tablets/powder:
• Not subject to liquids rule.
• Unlimited in both carry-on and checked.

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TSA Toothpaste Rules Summary

Type	Carry-On	Checked
Toothpaste ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (in liquids bag)	✅ Allowed
Toothpaste > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Toothpaste tablets/powder	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Tube size, not contents: Even if a large tube is mostly empty, it still counts as its labeled size.
• ✈️ Travel-size hack: Buy 1 oz or 2 oz tubes — they pass TSA easily.
• ✈️ Solid alternatives: Toothpaste tablets avoid liquid limits and are travel-friendly.
• ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow the same 100 ml liquids rule.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Toothpaste)
• FAA – PackSafe: Toiletry Items

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows shampoo on planes, but in carry-on it must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: bottles up to 3.4 oz (100 ml) inside your 1 quart-sized bag.
✅ Full-size shampoo bottles are only allowed in checked baggage.
✈️ Solid shampoo bars are allowed in any size in both carry-on and checked.

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Details

• Carry-on (liquid shampoo):
• Must be in containers ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml).
• All liquids, gels, and aerosols must fit in a single quart-sized resealable bag.
• Checked luggage:
• Any size shampoo bottles permitted.
• Wrap bottles in plastic or use leak-proof travel bottles to prevent spills.
• Solid shampoo bars:
• Not subject to liquids rule.
• Unlimited in both carry-on and checked bags.
• Aerosol/dry shampoo:
• Travel-size aerosols ≤ 3.4 oz allowed in carry-on.
• Larger aerosol cans only allowed in checked bags (typically max 18 oz / 500 ml per container, 70 oz total).

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TSA Shampoo Rules Summary

Shampoo Type	Carry-On	Checked
Liquid shampoo ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (in liquids bag)	✅ Allowed
Liquid shampoo > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Shampoo bars (solid)	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Dry shampoo (aerosol ≤ 3.4 oz)	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Dry shampoo (aerosol > 3.4 oz)	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Bottle size matters, not fill level: A half-full 6 oz bottle still counts as 6 oz → not allowed in carry-on.
• ✈️ Leaky bottles: Pressure changes can cause leaks; use travel bottles or seal in plastic.
• ✈️ Aerosol caps required: TSA requires caps on aerosols to prevent accidental spraying.
• ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow the same 100 ml liquids rule, but confirm before travel.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Shampoo)
• FAA – PackSafe: Toiletry Aerosols

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows Steam Decks, handheld gaming PCs, and accessories in both carry-on and checked bags.
✈️ Like laptops, you may be asked to remove them from your bag at security.
⚠️ Carry-on is strongly recommended due to theft, damage, and lithium battery safety.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and similar handheld gaming PCs are allowed.
• Treated like tablets/laptops at TSA checkpoints → may need to be removed and screened separately.
• Safer in carry-on because of lithium batteries.
• Checked luggage:
• Permitted, but not recommended because of theft/damage risks.
• Lithium batteries inside devices are allowed, but spare batteries/power banks must not be checked.
• In-flight use:
• Can be used in airplane mode.
• Wi-Fi can be enabled if airline offers in-flight Wi-Fi.
• Battery life is limited → bring a power bank (carry-on only, ≤100 Wh).
• Accessories: Chargers, cases, controllers, and game cards are allowed in both carry-on and checked.

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TSA Steam Deck Rules Summary

Item	Carry-On	Checked
Steam Deck / ROG Ally device	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed (not recommended)
Chargers & cables	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Spare batteries / power banks	✅ Carry-on only	❌ Not allowed
Controllers / accessories	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Battery rules: Extra batteries and power banks must always be in carry-on.
• ✈️ Security checks: Be prepared to remove the Steam Deck from your bag for separate screening.
• ✈️ Gate-check risk: If your carry-on is forced to be gate-checked, remove the Steam Deck first.
• ✈️ International flights: Similar rules apply worldwide; most airlines treat Steam Decks as laptops or tablets.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Electronics)
• FAA – PackSafe: Batteries
• Valve – Steam Deck FAQ

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows PlayStation, Xbox, and other gaming consoles in both carry-on and checked bags.
✈️ Large consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X) may need to be removed at security for separate screening.
⚠️ Carry-on is recommended to avoid theft or damage in checked luggage.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Consoles like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 4 are allowed.
• TSA may require you to remove them from your bag at the checkpoint, similar to laptops.
• Safer in carry-on because checked baggage is at higher risk for theft and rough handling.
• Checked luggage:
• Consoles are permitted, but not recommended due to theft, damage, and lithium battery safety concerns (especially for portable consoles or controllers with rechargeable batteries).
• Accessories: Controllers, cables, and headsets are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
• Games: Discs are allowed without restriction.
• In-flight use: Full-size consoles can’t be used in-flight, but portable monitors and handheld devices are fine in airplane mode.

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TSA Console Rules Summary

Item	Carry-On	Checked
PlayStation / Xbox console	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed (not recommended)
Game discs	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Controllers / accessories	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Spare batteries / power banks	✅ Carry-on only	❌ Not allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Big & heavy: PS5 and Xbox Series X are bulky; security may require extra screening.
• ✈️ Checked bag risk: Consoles are prime theft targets in checked luggage.
• ✈️ International travel: Customs may ask about new/unopened consoles — keep receipts if possible.
• ✈️ Portable consoles (Switch, Steam Deck): Safer and easier to use in-flight; follow lithium battery rules.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Electronics)
• FAA – PackSafe: Batteries
• American Airlines – Special Items: Electronics